Comedian, actor, NY Times bestselling author and longest-running cast member in the history of Saturday Night Live, Darrell Hammond has many titles and even more famous impersonations, including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Donald Trump and Dick Cheney.
This summer, Hammond will add one more title to his resume: guest of honor at Meridian Behavioral Healthcare’s annual fundraiser, which will be Aug. 24 at the Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall. Event attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy the evening with the multi-talented entertainer as he candidly shares funny stories about very serious, personal experiences.
In 2011, Hammond became a New York Times bestselling author with his memoir, “God, If You’re Not Up There, I’m F**cked: Tales of Stand-Up, Saturday Night Live and other Mind-Altering Mayhem.” The book, which details his lifelong struggles with both mental health issues and substance abuse, has been critically acclaimed.
Given his experiences and ability to connect with an audience, Hammond is an ideal presenter for Meridian’s largest fundraising event. Proceeds from the event help the nonprofit provide thousands of people with numerous healthcare solutions that include psychiatric, counseling, rehabilitative services, care coordination, inpatient and residential treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders, as well as specialized services for children and families.
Q&A
We had the opportunity to ask Hammond
a few questions to get to know him better before he dazzles us in person. Here is a glimpse into the actor’s real world:
Q: What is your favorite memory from Saturday Night Live?
A: Going to the White House and Dick Cheney’s parties.
Q: What is your favorite character?
A: Donald Trump
Q: Did the cast become a family to you in some way?
A: No, but my daughter visited the set often and got to meet many of the guests.
Q: What prompted you to write, “God, If You’re Not Up There, I’m F*cked”?
A: Because the real crime committed against me was being forced to keep my mouth shut about what was happening. Real monsters hide in the light. I wanted to encourage others in the same situation to speak out.
Q: Are you a spiritual person? If so, do you believe that spirituality and recovery go hand in hand?
A: Yes, I believe in the maker of heaven and Earth, but I don’t subscribe to any particular religion.
Q: Do you believe that what you went through has helped you to become the comedic force you are today?
A: No, otherwise everyone who was beaten and tortured would be funny.
Q: Can you tell us what is next on the horizon for you?
A: I’m a judge on a new show on ABC called “Sing Your Face Off,” where celebrities impersonate other celebrities and perform as them. No set airdate yet but it most likely will be in the fall.
To learn more about Hammond and listen to his many stories, attend Meridian Behavioral Healthcare’s “An Evening With Special Guest Speaker Darrell Hammond” on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall. Tickets are available for purchase online at
www.mbhci.org.